Journal article
Complications of plate fixation in metacarpal fractures.
- Fusetti C Hand Surgery Unit, Division for Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Meyer H
- Borisch N
- Stern R
- Santa DD
- Papaloïzos M
- 2002-03-20
Published in:
- The Journal of trauma. - 2002
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Bone Plates
Chi-Square Distribution
Female
Fracture Fixation
Fractures, Bone
Humans
Male
Metacarpus
Middle Aged
Postoperative Complications
Retrospective Studies
Treatment Outcome
Wound Healing
English
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study is to assess the complications after open reduction and plate fixation of extra-articular metacarpal fractures.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiologic records of 129 consecutive patients with 157 metacarpal fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with plates between 1993 and 1999. Intra-articular fractures and fractures of the thumb metacarpal were excluded. Eighty-one patients (64 men and 17 women) with 104 fractures were available for review, at an average follow-up of 13.6 months (range, 6-27 months).
RESULTS
Twenty-eight patients (35%) and 33 fractures (32%) had one or more complications, including difficulty with fracture healing (12 patients [15%]), stiffness (eight patients [10%]), plate loosening or breakage (seven patients [8%]), complex regional pain syndrome (two patients), and one patient who developed a deep infection.
CONCLUSION
Despite technical advances in implant material, design, and instrumentation, plate fixation of metacarpal fractures remains fraught with complications and unsatisfactory results.
The objective of this study is to assess the complications after open reduction and plate fixation of extra-articular metacarpal fractures.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiologic records of 129 consecutive patients with 157 metacarpal fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with plates between 1993 and 1999. Intra-articular fractures and fractures of the thumb metacarpal were excluded. Eighty-one patients (64 men and 17 women) with 104 fractures were available for review, at an average follow-up of 13.6 months (range, 6-27 months).
RESULTS
Twenty-eight patients (35%) and 33 fractures (32%) had one or more complications, including difficulty with fracture healing (12 patients [15%]), stiffness (eight patients [10%]), plate loosening or breakage (seven patients [8%]), complex regional pain syndrome (two patients), and one patient who developed a deep infection.
CONCLUSION
Despite technical advances in implant material, design, and instrumentation, plate fixation of metacarpal fractures remains fraught with complications and unsatisfactory results.
- Language
-
- English
- Open access status
- closed
- Identifiers
-
- DOI 10.1097/00005373-200203000-00019
- PMID 11901331
- Persistent URL
- https://folia.unifr.ch/global/documents/82658
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